Wednesday, July 01, 2015

SOME SUSSEX "FOLLIES": Holmbush Beacon & Racton Tower

i. Holmbush Beacon Tower, at Colgate in St Leonard's Forest
OS Grid Reference: TQ2333
Date: 1857
Built by: Thomas Broadwood from a design by Francis Edwards
Construction: Ashlar; 106 feet high.

Was used by the Home Guard as an observation post during the Second World War. Fell into disrepair and was razed after the war.










ii. Racton Monument, Stanstead Park,  Rowlands Castle
OS Grid Reference: SU7765309470
Date: 1766 to 1775
Built by: 2nd Earl of Halifax from a design by architect Theodosius Kelne
Construction: Red brick faced with flints, most of which have disappeared; 80 feet high.

Its remote location and sinister appearance have led to it being a site for suicides and occult events.

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